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Living in Charleston, we often take history for granted—as if every city has cobblestone streets and a park where pirates met their ultimate fates. Thankfully, there are plenty of good resources to remind us of where we’ve been and of stories we must be sure not to forget

Downtown Discovery (Ages 3-5)

Photograph by John Laverne, Courtesy of Bulldog Tours

Prepare: Joseph’s Charleston
Adventure by Laura Jenkins Thompson takes readers on a page-by-page tour as it tells the tale of a boy and a little lost dog, Susie. The pair visits landmarks such as The Old Exchange Building and Rainbow Row and discovers a bit of Charleston history along the way.

Go: Stop by Bulldog Tours or the Charleston Visitor Center for a special map that traces Joseph’s route around the peninsula. Stroll along (or drive) in his and Susie’s footsteps and see the sights for yourself.

Continue: Have a picnic in White Point Gardens, one of Joseph and Susie’s first stops. Get close to real Civil War cannons and watch boats pass through the harbor.

Slavery in Charleston (ages 6-9)

Photo Courtesy of Middleton Place

Prepare: Shackles by South Carolina Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth shows how our local history includes a dark side that’s not always easy to understand.

Go: Visit the stableyards at Middleton Place to watch as living history guides demonstrate the work and crafts of plantation slaves. Also spend time with the livestock for which slaves were responsible and step inside a former slave cabin.

Continue: On Gullah Net, www.knowitall.org/gullahnet, find fun activities, folk tales, and music related to the rich culture developed in the Lowcountry by the descendents of West African slaves.

The Hunley In-Depth (ages 10-12)

Photo Courtesy of Friends of the Hunley

Prepare: Secrets of a Civil War Submarine by Sally M. Walker is a thorough introduction to the CSS H.L. Hunley, including the sub’s inception, its final mission, and its eventual recovery and ongoing conservation.

Go: See the real H.L. Hunley submarine in its 90,000-gallon tank, where scientists are working to preserve this Civil War treasure. Also view artifacts found in the sub and facial reconstructions of the crew.

Continue: Visit the burial site of the Hunley crew at Magnolia Cemetery. Get a map in the cemetery office.

Dig Into the Past

The Brass Pirate Treasure Hunt
“X” marks the spot at The Brass Pirate, where you can pick up a treasure map to Charleston’s seafaring history.
40 N. Market St., #12 inside the
Rainbow Market, Charleston
Cost: $30 per group of four
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(843) 425-5844www.thebrasspirate.com

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